HELP

If you would like to receive a free information packet** or have questions about mesothelioma, call us at:

Toll-Free 1-877-FOR MESO (367-6376)

**Packet includes information on specialists, treatments, clinical trials,
cancer links, and how to access legal and financial resources. You will
be contacted by a Mesothelioma Web co-ordinator who will be available
to discuss questions you might have.

Research Studies for Mesothelioma

Clinical trials test new treatments in cancer patients. They are sometimes
referred to as research studies. In the United States, there is an accepted
procedure for introduction of new medicines and methods, and this procedure
includes climical trials. Usually by the time a clinical trial is authorized,
the medicine or procedure has been tested in animals and the laboratory.
Only the new medicines and procedures that pass this initial scrutiny
can be authorized for clinical trials in humans. Phase I, Phase II, and
Phase III trials are done at different points in the development and approval
process. Sometimes there are more than one trial in each phase for a given
drug.

Throughout the decades, clinical trials have been instrumental in the
approval of treatments such as new drugs, new approaches to surgery or
radiation therapy, and new combinations of treatments. More on types
of studies.

As a patient, possible benefits of participating in clinical trials
include:

High-quality care. Clinical trials are usually run from high-class
hospitals.

If the new treatment works, you may be among the first to benefit.

You have the chance to contribute to scientific and medical knowledge,
thereby helping others and improving cancer treatment.

Possible drawbacks:

New treatments under study are not always better than, or even as
good as, standard treatment. There is a risk.

Even if a new treatment has benefits for some patients, it may not
work for you.

In a study, if you are randomly assigned to have standard treatment
instead of the new treatment being tested, it may not be as effective
as the new approach.